The backstory is too long, but in a nutshell I am a naturally more introverted person. It's not that I can't connect to people, but in a formal setting of work I have to edit myself because I'm if not I tend to be incredible blunt when irritated. I have to remind myself to be positive and have a good outlook as I'm not a naturally bubbly person. My boss is, and is now leaving with me taking on parts of his old job. The team is reacting as if I went to their house on the weekend to purposefully drop kick their pet. I'm not personally offended, but apparently it bothers them enough to chirp in my boss' ear on the way out.
So in about in a 24 hour period I got both from my boss and my wife a "people can sense insincerity" comment.
Well then, what's the answer? Be myself? Ignore them when I don't feel like giving a shit? Stop trying to be polite. Say "fuck off" when I feel like it? Stop trying to be positive when offering feedback? Because if I'm trying and that makes it work then why the absolutely fuck shouldn't I just be as raw as I want because if you feel that my insincerity is so bad you want to actively undermine me, what possible detriment is there to being as big of a bastard as I want?
Yes, I am writing this pissed off, but congrats guys gals and enby pals, if that's what they want that's what they're going to get.
Tell me, short of being fired, what reason I have to offer to even try at kindness, empathy and support if it doesn't count if you have to try?
EDIT: Guys, please tell me you have something more useful than "watch your body language and tone". Because congrats, that's already going on 8 cylinders and if that's not enough it's time to scrap the car.